Ideas for keeping your energy use down as the temperatures heat up.

Use windows for cool air and to keep the heat out:

  • Our service area typically gets cooler at night during the spring months. Use those cooler temperatures to your advantage! Open windows at night and let the night air cool your home instead of your HVAC or cooling system.

Use fans to your advantage:

  • If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat about four degrees with no compromise in comfort.
  • Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
  • In the spring and summer months make sure your fans are turning counterclockwise, pushing the cool air downwards.

Make sure your cooling system is efficiently running:

  • Spring is an excellent time to schedule maintenance for your cooling unit before it gets too hot outside.
  • Change or clean the air filter. Doing this can lower your unit’s consumption by up to 15%.

Check your thermostat use:

  • Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during the springtime. The lower the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall bill will be.
  • Keep your home warmer when you are away and then lower to 78o when you are home.
  • Avoid setting your thermostat at a significantly cooler temperature when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any quicker and could result in issues with your HVAC system.

Avoid heating your home with large appliances:

  • As temperatures rise, reduce the use of the oven or stove. Microwaves, slow cookers, instant pots, and grilling are all good alternatives.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Consider air drying dishes and laundry, especially heavier items like bed coverings and towels.

Keep air from leaking into and out of your home:

  • Seal cracks and openings in windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
  • Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks.

Clean your fridge:

  • Properly cleaning your refrigerator will reduce its power consumption. Roll your fridge away from the wall and clear the dust and dirt from the coils using a vacuum hose or duster. Remove old food to increase efficiency and allow the air to circulate.